Porsche 914 Engine Variants
The Porsche 914, or VW-Porsche 914 as it was known in Europe, is a mid-engine sports car that was also suitable for everyday driving. It was born from a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen. And perhaps this collaboration is most clearly visible in the car’s engine range. The four-cylinder engines were based on Volkswagen powertrains, while the six-cylinder was borrowed from the Porsche 911. Here is a quick overview of the Porsche 914 engine variants. Engine power output is based on the European model. It may vary depending on the country.
Porsche 914 Engine Variants
1.7L Flat-Four (1969–1973)
- Type: 4-cylinder engine
- Displacement: 1,679 cm3
- Power output: 59 kW (80 PS) at 4,900 rpm
- 133 Nm at 2,700 rpm
1.8L Flat-Four (1974–1975)
- Type: 4-cylinder engine
- Displacement: 1,795 cm3
- Power output: 63 kW (85 PS) at 5,000 rpm
- 135 Nm at 3,400 rpm
2.0L Flat-Six (1969–1972)
- Type: 6-cylinder engine
- Displacement: 1,991 cm3
- Power output: 81 kW (110 PS) at 5,800 rpm
- 156 Nm at 4,200 rpm
2.0L Flat-Four (1973–1975)
- Type: 4-cylinder engine
- Displacement: 1,971 cm3
- Power output: 73 kW (100 PS) at 5,000 rpm
- 157 Nm at 3,500 rpm
Porsche 914 Engine History
The Porsche 914 was launched in two versions. The base model (914/4) had a Volkswagen four-cylinder engine. The more powerful Porsche 914/6 was equipped with a Porsche 2.0-litre, six-cylinder engine.
Most 914 models are equipped with air-cooled, four-cylinder boxer engines. Early versions used a 1.7-liter unit that produced modest horsepower but offered smooth and predictable performance. Later, it was replaced by a 1.8-liter, which added a little more torque and improved drivability.
For those looking for a more powerful sports car, Porsche offered the 914/6. This version had a 2.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine derived from the Porsche 911T. With significantly more power and a distinctive exhaust note, the 914/6 was a more serious sports car. However, its higher price limited its production numbers.
When the 6-cylinder was discontinued, it was replaced by VW’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder powerplant. In its final model year (1976), the Porsche 914 was only sold in the United States only with the 2.0-litre engine.
